This sweet, tender story warmed my heart so much! As a first-time reader of the works by author Penny Zeller, I had no idea of the delight I was in for. After reading Dreams of the Heart, it was clear to see that the author’s heart shines through in her carefully-crafted characters and story. This short novel is wholesome and offers rich, deep threads of Christian faith.

I simply adored each of the main characters in this story. Hannah bravely faces her broken past and displays a life-long longing to be free from the abuse and terror she faces on a daily basis. Her faith is strong, her persona shy and delicate. John Mark was the perfect balance to her character, with his protective, almost impulsive, nature and strong family heritage. Witnessing them marry, discover new truths about one another and fall in love was so rewarding.

I loved how the characters spent time in prayer, seeking God’s will for each of their lives as they moved into their unconventional union. What reader doesn’t love a marriage of convenience? This is one of my favorite tropes and it was so well done in this story. It was wholesome and tender, mature and filled with scriptural foundation and admonitions.

The little town of Poplar Springs, Wyoming hosted a wide variety of secondary characters, from adorable little Ambrose and his pet pig, Grumbles, to townsfolk who both won over my heart and still others who provided a delightful hint of suspense and evil.

The ending was surprising and heartfelt. This story read at a great pace, was the perfect length for a cozy afternoon read and truly left my heart feeling inspired and warm. It reads as a standalone, though it is book two in Zeller’s Wyoming Sunrise series. I definitely recommend reading them in order, but it's not necessary.

If you’re a reader who enjoys clean, heartfelt historical fiction stories with multi-layered characters, deep threads of Christian faith and a dash of excitement, then you’re sure to love Dreams of the Heart! Readers who enjoy books by Janette Oke, Lauraine Snelling, Jody Hedlund, Tracie Peterson and/or Misty M. Beller will likely love this story as well!

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.